MR. FLEISCHER:
Good afternoon. For those new here, welcome to Crawford. For those
of you who have been here, I hope you continue to enjoy your stay.

The
President this morning spoke with President Fox of Mexico. The two
leaders spoke for approximately 20 minutes. They discussed the economic
situation in Argentina. They both expressed their desire for sustainability
in the region and particularly in Argentina. They are going to continue
their efforts to work with both Argentina and the International
Monetary Fund. They welcome the movement and the progress that has
been made in bringing economic relief to Argentina.

They
also talked about the forthcoming trip of President Fox to Washington
for what will of course be President Bush's first state visit. The
President is very honored that the first foreign leader who will
come for an official visit -- state visit will be President Fox
of our good neighbor, Mexico.

Q In
the conversation with President Fox, did they discuss immigration,
and can you generally summarize for us the pace and specificity
of what they hope to talk about, vis a vis immigration, at the state
visit?

MR.
FLEISCHER: President Bush and President Fox did discuss the topic
of immigration and they both agreed that it was very important and
it will be a welcome change in US-Mexico relations to have a system
in place that can welcome immigrants to the United States in a safer,
a more legal, and a more humane manner. President Bush is very concerned
about people who have lost their lives trying to find a better life
coming to the United States. President Bush recognizes that there
are many employers in many parts of our society that benefit from
having immigrants come to the United States and work in this country.
We are a richer nation for it.

The
President is working with the government of Mexico. There is a Cabinet-level
group that is working with their counterparts in Mexico and I'm
not going to get into any more specifics than that. But the President
does view immigration as a major strength for the United States
and as a border governor, the President has seen the wonderful strength
of immigrants to the United States. The Hispanic community has thrived
in Texas, has thrived in the United States.

Q If
not about specifics, how about timing? If it's so important, what
is the time frame the President would like to pursue this with Congress?

MR.
FLEISCHER: President Fox of Mexico will be here in just a short
number of weeks and it's possible that you can anticipate some further
announcements when President Fox is here.